Ringer feels good about added carries

EAST LANSING - Coming into the season, there was no question that Javon Ringer would get the bulk of Michigan State's carries at tailback in his senior season.

The last few years, Ringer has shared the load with Jehuu Caulcrick. In most cases, Ringer would be the primary ball carrier between the 20-yard lines. Once inside the red zone, however, Caulcrick would be the guy to power it into the end zone.

Now, co-captain Ringer relishes his opportunity to be the go-to guy.

"It's a little different carrying more of the workload. But (the) physical aspect of it, my body feels pretty good," Ringer said after Tuesday's practice. "I wasn't any extra sore than what I would have been, but I am just mad that we didn't perform like we needed to get the win."

During the season-opening loss Saturday night at California, the 5-foot-9, 202-pounder had 27 of the 28 carries from the running back position. He finished with 81 yards and two touchdowns, while redshirt freshman Andre Anderson's lone attempt went for a 3-yard loss.

To nobody's surprise, coach Mark Dantonio said Tuesday that the Spartans plan to exploit Ringer's ability in every game. They will use him extensively until he becomes winded and needs a rest.

"You can't starve the horse that pulls the load," Dantonio said with a smile. "He's gonna run the ball."

During the Cal game, the staff would continuously check on their star to see how he was doing, and every time he responded positively - an attitude which Dantonio credits to Ringer's competitive nature.

"He didn't want to come out," Dantonio said. "It was the type of game where every series was a critical series, and he wanted to be involved in that. As long as he's feeling in that way, we're going to play him."

As important as Ringer is to the offense, Dantonio still admits that the other running backs will need to perform at a high level throughout the season.

"Yeah, it's important," Dantonio said of getting production at the No. 2 running back spot. "(But) it's a situational thing, because all those guys do a little something different.

"I'm sure these guys will all have opportunities as the season progresses. But for right now and the distant future, Ringer is the guy."

INJURY UPDATE: Dantonio said wide receiver Deon Curry and defensive end Trevor Anderson could be OK for Saturday's home opener against Eastern Michigan.

"Deon is a guy that is sort of recovering a little bit from a back situation," Dantonio said. "He maybe available this week. He was practicing last week but probably rushed it a little bit, so he may be available this week.

"We expect (Anderson) to continue to get more 100 percent here in the next few days or another week. But I would say in the next day."

JENRETTE GONE? When asked Tuesday whether there is a chance junior safety Roderick Jenrette would not be back this year, Dantonio quickly answered, "It's a possibility."

COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF: The inaugural Countdown to Kickoff Spartan Fan Fest will begin at 7 a.m. Saturday at Demonstration Hall Field. Cost is $2.

At the event, fans can participate in several games, including football, basketball, baseball and hockey. In addition to the games, approximately 700 MSU athletes will be in attendance.